Through the Deep Waters by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Sawyer takes a look at Christians’ attitudes towards each other and those who are new in the faith. Through a story with deep spiritual insights and clever dialogue between characters she shows us what it means when Jesus said, “Judge not that ye be not judged”. It is a lesson that is timeless and much needed in the Christian circle today. 

As the characters we see their struggle to not be envious, proud, spiteful and judgmental we are drawn into their thoughts and hearts. For me it showed me how easy it is to come to conclusions about others that are not only untrue but unkind. This story spoke to my heart about what it means to be merciful. It also helped me see God’s mercy for me and what His forgiveness really means in our lives. 

This book is an insightful view of life for a working woman in the 1880s, describing the few options open to women during that time period. But the bigger theme of this book is the power of forgiveness, the meaning of true friendship and the danger of judging others. 

This book was received free in exchange for an honest review.

A Broken Kind of Beautiful

A Broken Kind of Beautiful

By Katie Ganshert

I loved this book from its perfect title to the last page!  Katie Ganshert is an awesome writer!  She brings the characters to life and your heart is touched with their struggles.  As she weaves the story of broken lives  – she explains deep spiritual truths about God’s total forgiveness and unconditional love.  Over and over I kept thinking of how profound this segment or that portion of the story was.  Yes, it was a page turner, I couldn’t stop reading it!  In fact I read it in one afternoon, but it was so much more than an unforgettable story.  This book reached deep into my heart and reminded me that God loves me!  Read this book!  Share it with everyone you know!  You won’t be disappointed.

I received this book free from the publishers and was not required to write a positive review.

The Queen's Handmaid

The Queen’s Handmaiden

By Tracy L. Higley

This book had a lot of historical information connecting Cleopatra, King Herod (who was King at the time of Jesus’ birth) and Octavian.  The story is told from the view of Herod’s wife’s handmaiden.  Through her eyes we learn a lot about the fragile threads of political loyalty and safety even among family members.  There is emphasis on Jewish traditions, the way treasured written history and prophecies were handed down through the generations or hidden for safety and different ways various factions waited for the Messiah.

The trouble I had with this book is there were detailed descriptions of torture, executions and murders.  I have read similar accounts in other historical novels.  However, since this is a Christian historical novel I felt that the mention of these did not have to be in such vivid, gruesome detail. 

Another problem area was that the transitions between time segments was not smooth or clear.  This happened at least 3 times in the book where suddenly you are thrust years ahead and there wasn’t anything to let you know that time has passed so the sequence of events was confusing.

I received this book free from the publishers and was not required to write a positive review.

A Promise Kept by Robin Lee Hatcher

This book was totally not what I expected, but it was a delight.  Robin Lee Hatcher uses her own personal experience with divorce and God's tender mercy to the heartbroken to weave an enchanting story.  I could not put this book down.  I love the way she describes the main character searching to know God's will and the description of the way Christian friends can uphold and support someone during hard times.  The only caution I would have for readers is that if you are going through a divorce this may be a very hard book to read.  I have gone through a divorce and did not get the fairy tale ending that "Allison" received in this book but God was no less faithful to me.  So as you read the book it should be with a lot of prayer and with the assurance that God is with you just as described in this book - no matter what the outcome of your situation is.

I received this book from Booksneeze and was not required to write a favorable review.

Stones to Bread by Christa Parrish

This book had me simultaneously devouring it and yet needing to pause between chapters because of the deep emotional impact it had on me.

The story weaves Liesl's current life with her memories of her childhood and fascinating historical facts about bread in various cultures and time periods. But this is more than an interesting read, it is a real heart turner. It made me think about what it means to really surrender to Christ. This story shows it is not just about being a missionary or preacher. Surrender means giving Christ the most hidden deepest pain and allowing Him to heal us.

The author wrote in a very realistic way about mental illness, grief, unresolved childhood trauma, forgiveness, feeling God's presence in your life and restoration/healing. It's not one of those rosy, sugar coated stories. There are parts that are seriously hard to read because of the painful account of Liesl's memories. But the way God leads her and cares for her so tenderly along the way to healing is so very beautiful.

I wish there was a sequel to this book!

I received this book from Booksneeze free and was not required to write a positive review.

Peace on Earth by Mary Engelbreit

Mary Engelbreit NEVER disappoints!  I just received my copy of PEACE ON EARTH by Mary Engelbreit. Once again Mary has done it! She has captured the essence of love through her beautiful, precious drawings and matched them with the perfect poems, lyrics to songs and Christmas stories. I absolutely LOVED this book! I was thrilled to read some poems and stories I had never heard before. And the familiar Christmas Carols were brought to life with Mary's endearing illustrations. This book is a must for anyone's family Christmas collection. I am a grandma and a kindergarten teacher and plan to use this book in my home and at school this holiday season.

I received this book from the publishers through booksneeze and was not required to write a positive review.

Beloved by Robin Lee Hatcher

Robin Lee Hatcher is one of the Best!

Beloved is the third book in a trilogy of siblings who were separated after their mother died and father deserted them. They go on the "orphan train" to be placed with new families. Although this is part of a series it can be read alone. However, having read the first two books I highly recommend reading the entire series!

Beloved reels the reader in with the first chapter. The beautiful Diana Brennan is at her engagement party when her husband (thought dead) shows up. The rest of the book is pure genius - weaving together questions/answers about what it means to be a family, what does God expect out of us in regards to forgiveness, can love be rekindled after betrayal and historical facts of interest especially regarding a woman's limited resources and options in 1880s.

The dialogue between characters makes you feel like you are right there with them. Hurting and hoping and wondering right along with our heroine.

I couldn't stop reading this book and there were a few places I had to wipe tears away. This truly is a story that shows that where man it is impossible but with GOD all things are possible.

I obtained this book from the publishers at BookSneeze and was not required to write a positive review.